Fintechs & their

Evolution
Agenda

1. Title Slide

2. Introduction

3. Initial Phase (2008-2014): The Emergence of FinTech in Payments

4. Growth Phase (2015-2017): Rise of FinTech in Lending and Regulatory Push

5. Maturity Phase (2018-Present): FinTech Diversification

6. Key Drivers of FinTech Evolution
7. Recent Trends and Future Outlook
8. How Banks are Coping with FinTech Disruptions
9. Case Studies of Successful Bank-FinTech Collaboration
10. Conclusion
FinTechs and their evolution in Indian
Banking Context

• FinTech's evolution in the Indian banking context has been

transformative, driving innovation, enhancing customer experience,
and reshaping the financial services landscape.
• Over the past decade, India has emerged as one of the largest and
fastestgrowing FinTech markets globally, largely fueled by
advancements in technology, increasing smartphone penetration,
and supportive government policies.
• Here's an overview of the key stages and trends in the evolution of
FinTech within Indian banking:
1. Initial Phase (20082014):
The Emergence of FinTech in Payments

Digital Payments: The early years of FinTech in India were largely

centered around digital payments. Companies like Paytm, Mobikwik, and
Oxigen pioneered mobile wallets and prepaid payment instruments
(PPIs), providing an alternative to traditional banking payment methods.
eCommerce Integration: The rise of ecommerce platforms such as
Flipkart and Snapdeal created a demand for seamless digital payment
solutions, which FinTech firms quickly filled.
Payment Gateways: Players like Razorpay and CCAvenue introduced
easytointegrate payment gateway solutions, enabling small businesses
and startups to accept digital payments.
2. Growth Phase (20152017):
Rise of FinTech in Lending and Regulatory Push
Government Initiatives: The Indian government launched several initiatives such
as Digital India, Jan Dhan Yojana, and Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana
(PMJDY) to foster financial inclusion, giving FinTech companies opportunities to
provide digital banking services to the unbanked and underbanked population.
UPI Revolution: The introduction of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in 2016 by
the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) revolutionized the Indian
payment system. UPI enabled realtime, mobilebased interbank transactions,
facilitating the growth of apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, and BharatPe.
FinTech Lending: Platforms like LendingKart, Capital Float, and Rupeek
emerged, offering quick, unsecured loans to MSMEs, and filling the credit gap left
by traditional banks. Peertopeer (P2P) lending platforms like Faircent and
Lendbox also began providing alternative financing solutions.
3. Maturity Phase (2018Present):
FinTech Diversification and Deepening Integration
with Banks
 Neobanking: FinTechs like NiYo, RazorpayX, and Jupiter launched neobanking platforms, providing
a fully digital banking experience without traditional branches. These platforms offer services such
as instant account opening, expense tracking, and automated savings, targeting millennials and
digitalfirst consumers.
 Digital Lending Platforms: FinTechs in the digital lending space, such as ZestMoney, Kissht, and
FlexiLoans, evolved further by using AI and big data to assess creditworthiness through alternative
data sources, making lending more accessible to consumers and small businesses.
 Partnerships with Banks: Banks recognized the potential of FinTech and began partnering with
these firms to cocreate solutions. API banking, for instance, became a cornerstone of such
collaborations. Banks like HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Axis Bank now work closely with FinTechs
to offer enhanced customer experiences through mobile apps and digital platforms.
 WealthTech and InsurTech: FinTech also expanded into wealth management and insurance with
companies like Groww, Zerodha, PolicyBazaar, and ETMoney offering simplified investment and
insurance solutions to the masses.
 4. Key Drivers of Evolution

 Aadhaar and eKYC: The development of the Aadhaar system and the integration of eKYC
(electronic Know Your Customer) processes played a pivotal role in streamlining digital onboarding
for customers. This significantly reduced the friction in opening bank accounts, applying for loans,
and getting insurance policies.
 Regulatory Sandbox: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been proactive in creating a regulatory
sandbox, allowing FinTechs to test innovative products in a controlled environment. This has
fostered innovation while ensuring consumer protection and financial stability.
 Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS): The BBPS has streamlined the bill payment ecosystem,
allowing FinTech players to expand into utility payments and recurring payment solutions for a
broad base of consumers.
 Open Banking and Account Aggregators: The open banking initiative, supported by RBI's
Account Aggregator framework, has enabled consumers to share financial information securely
across banks and FinTechs. This has opened up new opportunities for personal finance
management and credit assessment.
 5. Recent Trends and Future Outlook

 Embedded Finance: Embedded finance is the next frontier, where FinTech services like payments,
lending, or insurance are embedded within nonfinancial platforms, such as ecommerce or travel
apps, offering seamless financial solutions.
 Blockchain and Digital Currency: With the growing interest in blockchain and the RBI working on
a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), the future of FinTech in India may also involve
decentralized financial services, crossborder payments, and digital currencies.
 AI and Data Analytics: FinTech companies are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence and big
data analytics to enhance fraud detection, automate credit scoring, and personalize financial
services.
 Financial Inclusion: The focus on financial inclusion remains a priority, with FinTechs creating
innovative products tailored for rural areas, agricultural finance, and MSMEs, helping bridge the gap
between formal banking and underserved communities.
Conclusion

FinTech has rapidly evolved from providing basic payment solutions to

becoming a key driver of innovation in the Indian banking sector. With
ongoing advancements in technology, increasing collaboration
between banks and FinTechs, and supportive regulatory frameworks,
the Indian FinTech ecosystem is poised for further growth. It is
transforming the banking experience for millions, promoting financial
inclusion, and introducing new ways of accessing and managing
financial services.
How Banks are coping
up with this disruption
Sub Topic
 Adaptation by Banks in evolving
environment
Banks in India are adapting to the rapid changes brought by FinTech innovation in various ways. While
FinTech firms have introduced agility, convenience, and new business models, banks have responded by
embracing digital transformation, collaborating with FinTechs, and developing inhouse innovations to stay
competitive. Here’s how Indian banks are coping with these shifts:

1. Collaborations and Partnerships with FinTechs

 API Banking and Open Banking: Banks are partnering with FinTech companies to offer Application
Programming Interfaces (APIs), enabling thirdparty developers to build on banking services. For
example, ICICI, HDFC, and Yes Bank have embraced open banking models.

 Strategic FinTech Partnerships: Banks form alliances with FinTechs to leverage technological expertise,
such as Axis Bank partnering with Freecharge and SBI working with digital lending platforms.
 Adaptation by Banks in evolving
environment
2. Digital Transformation and Automation

 Digital First Banking: Banks are offering seamless digital services, such as Kotak Mahindra Bank’s 811 and ICICI’s
iMobile, with full functionalities online.

 AI and Automation: Investments in AIdriven chatbots (like SBI’s SIA) and RPA are enhancing customer service and
operational efficiency.

 Paperless Onboarding and eKYC: Banks use eKYC and Aadhaarbased digital onboarding to simplify customer acquisition.

3. Development of NeoBanking and DigitalOnly Platforms

 In House NeoBanks: Banks like ICICI and Axis Bank have launched digitalonly platforms such as InstaBIZ and Burgundy
for techsavvy customers.

 Acquisitions and Investments: Banks are investing in FinTech startups, such as HDFC Bank investing in payment and
lending FinTechs.
 Adaptation by Banks in evolving
environment
4. Enhancing Digital Payment Ecosystem

 UPI Integration: Banks are heavily involved in the UPI ecosystem, partnering with payment apps like
Google Pay and PhonePe.

 Contactless Payments: Banks are promoting NFCbased contactless payments, like HDFC Bank’s
PayZapp and Axis Bank’s Scan & Pay.

5. Adopting FinTechDriven Lending Models

 Digital Lending and Instant Loans: Banks adopt FinTech models for quick digital lending to MSMEs,
partnering with platforms like Capital Float and Lendingkart.
 Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL): Banks offer BNPL services, with players like ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank
introducing their own versions.
 Adaptation by Banks in evolving
environment
6. Investing in Cybersecurity and Data Protection

 Strengthening Security: Banks invest in advanced data encryption, biometric authentication, and
multifactor authentication (MFA) to secure digital services.

 Fraud Detection Using AI: AI and machine learning are used for realtime fraud detection, helping banks
identify unusual activities quickly.

7. Building Innovation Labs and Incubators

 Innovation Hubs: Banks like ICICI and Axis Bank have set up innovation labs focused on blockchain, AI,
and API banking to cocreate solutions with FinTechs.

 Hackathons: Banks host hackathons to collaborate with FinTech developers, spurring new ideas and
rapid technology adoption.
 Adaptation by Banks in evolving
environment
8. WealthTech and Robo-Advisory Services

 Digital Wealth Management: Banks compete with WealthTech platforms by offering end-to-end digital
trading through apps like ICICI Direct and HDFC Securities.

 Robo-Advisors: AI-based robo-advisors help customers make personalized investment decisions.

9. Regulatory Adaptation and Sandbox Participation

 Regulatory Sandbox: Banks participate in the RBI’s regulatory sandbox, testing new technologies like
blockchain and AI in controlled environments.

 Account Aggregator Framework: Banks adopt the Account Aggregator (AA) system, allowing secure data
sharing for better credit assessment.
 Adaptation by Banks in evolving
environment
10. Customer-Centric Product Development

 Personalized Digital Products: Banks use big data analytics to offer customized banking products and
targeted offers based on customer behavior.

 Omnichannel Experience: Banks integrate physical and digital channels for an omnichannel experience,
ensuring seamless transitions between platforms.

Conclusion

Banks in India have effectively responded to FinTech disruption by embracing digital transformation,
collaborating with FinTechs, and leveraging cutting-edge technologies. While FinTechs continue to push the
boundaries of innovation, banks are integrating these advancements into their core operations, driving a
symbiotic relationship that is reshaping the financial ecosystem. Traditional banks that adapt and innovate
will continue to thrive in this evolving landscape.
Question and Answers (Q & A)
 Manoj Batra
ICWA, MBA (IIM Kozhikode), MA
(Eco), BCom, JAIIB, CAIIB, CCO,
CTF

Head Product & Process

Government Business Group
Bandhan Bank.